Chirundu becomes one-stop border post

The project, which would further strengthen ties between the two countries, was in line with economic integration under COMESA and SADC.

Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Harare, Industry and International Trade Minister Obert Mpofu said the project was a milestone for both countries.

"The coming into fruition of the one-stop border concept is an important milestone towards deepening the level of economic integration. Harmonised trade networks are key to the region's quest for economic growth and development," he said.

The agreement would see the two countries increasing trade by 20% whilst at the same time saving over US$450 million through reduced transit times.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zambian Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said much more, economically, would be achieved by the two countries and the region as a whole through the establishment of the one-stop border post.

"Whilst the signing of the agreement will ensure the consolidation and deepening of economic integration within the realm of the COMESA/SADC 2008 and 2010 goals, it is critical that the underlining challenges of multiple agencies and clearing procedures are addressed."

Project manager Kingsley Chanda highlighted some of the challenges requiring urgent attention before the official launch of the project in December this year.

Assistant secretary to COMESA Sindiso Ngwenya said the coming into fruition of the project was a giant step towards the COMESA/SADC guarantee system adding that this should translate into improved trade between the two countries.

Some of the envisaged benefits would be the reduction of time spent at the border posts, reduced costs of doing business while indirectly dealing with the socio-economic issues that were arising as a result of delays at the border post.

Chirundu was singled out as a priority pilot site for the single border clearing systems at the 2005 COMESA council of ministers meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Article courtesy of The Zimbabwean